British Civil Servants May Strike over Pay, Pension Cuts

Quarter of a million members of Public and Commercial Services Union to cast vote

Around a quarter of a million civil servants are to be balloted about taking part in a fresh round of strike action, to protest against cuts to pay and pensions and poorer working conditions.

The Public and Commercial Services union (PCS) said it expected to get members' backing for walkouts across England, Wales and Scotland – possibly before Easter.

The PCS, which is intending to co-ordinate strikes with other unions, said it was looking at several one-day or half-day actions. The union has already taken three days of strikes over pay and pension reforms. It said it had asked for talks with the Cabinet Office and employers but claimed the offer had been turned down.